Chapter 1048
The Prelude to Yet Another Alliance Between Mao and Zheng: Zhang Anping, the Most Conce
Nanjing Airport.
Zheng Yi had just coordinated several vehicles from the airport, but before the vehicles had even left the airport, officers from the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics led a team to surround them.
When the convoy was stopped, the special operations team members' eyes turned red.
Back in Beiping, they were forced to disarm by a group of people wielding guns with their own gun barrels. That feeling of humiliation had been stuck in their hearts ever since. Now that they had returned to their "old nest," they were still being threatened by people wielding gun barrels.
It's the other way around!
The team leader immediately looked at Zhang Anping with an inquiring gaze. As long as Zhang Anping nodded, they would definitely let these bastards know what a damn surprise was!
But Zhang Anping's reaction was very indifferent:
"Ask what happened."
consternation!
But the captain in charge of security could only carry out orders, and after a brief exchange, he returned with a dark expression:
"Instructor, they say they are acting on Mao Renfeng's orders to take you in for questioning."
Zhang Anping glanced indifferently at the line of people blocking the road not far away, and said detachedly:
"Go with them."
The guard stared at Zhang Anping in disbelief.
Zhang Anping looked at the guard, who then realized what was happening, quickly turned around, and went to negotiate again with a dark face.
The agent who stopped the car was Mao Renfeng's confidant. Although he appeared to be doing his job, he was filled with fear inside.
What is he doing?
He led his men to intercept Commander Zhang's convoy and intended to take Commander Zhang for questioning!
translate:
He's currently dancing at the entrance of the King of Hell's palace, and he's even hooking his finger at the King of Hell, saying: Come here, come here!
One can only imagine the fear they felt.
But no matter how scared you are, you have to bite the bullet and go for it.
He was prepared to be beaten up if he was resisted—as for shooting Zhang Anping, what a joke! Even if he had ten thousand times the courage, he wouldn't dare!
But what has he gotten in return?
Combination!
Zhang Anping's guard told him—lead the way!
How... is this possible?
"W-what did you just say?"
He wasn't even sure if he had misheard.
The guard, mistaking this for a triumphant mockery, his face contorted with murderous intent, gritted his teeth and whispered:
"I said! Lead the way!"
The spy finally confirmed he wasn't hallucinating. Instead of continuing his fight to the bitter end, he involuntarily whispered:
"Brother, I am only acting under orders. Please forgive me if I have offended you. I will never mistreat Commander Zhang."
The guard gave the other person a cold look, his eyes filled with murderous intent, conveying the message:
You still want to treat me unfairly?
The agent, steeling himself, turned around, hurriedly got into the car, and told the driver in a terrified tone:
"Drive to Outpost 3."
Logically, he should have taken Zhang Anping under his direct control—but that's just a matter of logic. He should be grateful if Zhang Anping could go with him to Outpost No. 3 for questioning. How could he dare to hope to control Zhang Anping?
The two convoys met and headed towards Outpost No. 3.
At this moment, news of Zhang Anping being investigated by the Bureau of Secrecy also spread rapidly.
……
Outpost No. 3
After the convoy stopped, the agent leading the group quickly got out of his car and ran to Zhang Anping's vehicle, standing respectfully to the side and waiting for Zhang Anping to get out.
After Zhang Anping got out of the car, he cautiously said:
"Commander Zhang, this is just procedure, please bear with it for now."
Zhang Anping looked at the cautious and prudent spy and chuckled softly:
“Tell Mao Renfeng that I am waiting for his investigation—”
"Let's all go in and see what kind of trouble our Director Mao can cause!"
Upon entering the heavily guarded No. 3 stronghold, Zhang Anping showed no restraint whatsoever as a prisoner, but rather acted as if he were on an inspection tour.
The No. 3 stronghold was heavily guarded, and the leaders were all Mao's henchmen. However, when Zhang Anping "visited," not a single person dared to cause trouble. Instead, they all stepped forward as if waiting for Zhang Anping's inspection.
Zhang Anping ignored them and "inspected" the converted detention cells one by one.
There were people in every detention cell. Although most of the detainees were not in good condition, they were clearly not being tortured. However, Zhang Anping's face grew increasingly gloomy, as if black ink could be squeezed out of it.
because……
Every single person detained here is a key member of Zhang Anping's inner circle in the Nanjing Bureau headquarters!
Zheng Yi, who had been by Zhang Anping's side the whole time, finally couldn't hide his anger and said:
"Chief Qu, Mao Renfeng is determined to fight you to the death!"
Zhang Anping remained silent, but his fiery eyes betrayed his true feelings at that moment.
But he didn't react in the end. Instead, he went into an empty detention cell and went straight behind the bars.
"You should go back—"
Zhang Anping said calmly to Zheng Yi and the guards who had been following him:
"If Mao Renfeng wants to investigate, he's also investigating me."
"It doesn't matter whether you review it or not. Go back and rest first. You've worked hard during this time."
Zheng Yi, intending to accompany Zhang Anping, said, "District Chief!"
The guards were even more reluctant to leave: "Instructor, we'll stay with you!"
Zhang Anping frowned slightly, looking at them calmly. Zheng Yi bowed his head, and the guards followed suit, finally having no choice but to leave.
The agents guarding cell number three dared not actually lock Zhang Anping up, even if they were beaten to death. After seeing Zhang Anping dismiss the guards, they exchanged glances and then chose to leave quickly, without locking the two doors of the cell.
After everyone left, Zhang Anping lay down on the single bed and pretended to sleep, but a playful smile appeared on his lips.
Trying to provoke me?
Are you censoring me?
Mao Renfeng, you're far too naive!
Now comes the time for you to start worrying!
……
The Bureau of Secrecy, its headquarters.
After hanging up the phone, Mao Renfeng paced back and forth in the office, extremely displeased.
He deliberately used a trick to have Zhang Anping taken to Outpost No. 3.
After obtaining the "imperial sword" from his chief aide, he launched a purge within the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics. Zhang's key members within the Bureau headquarters were all targeted in his purge, and he disposed of them at Outpost No. 3.
That's why he had Zhang Anping taken to Outpost No. 3—he thought that Zhang Anping's strong personality would cause him to explode when he saw all his core members being detained at Outpost No. 3.
If Zhang Anping were to erupt, it would be tantamount to losing the moral high ground, making it easier to fabricate charges against him.
But he was wrong.
Zhang Anping did not lash out during either his detention or at Outpost No. 3, which deprived him of any excuse.
So what should we do next?
He took down Zhang Anping because Fu Huabei in Beiping rebelled, while Zhang Anping fled beforehand—this was the proper investigation process, and no matter how you look at it, he was right.
But Mao Renfeng also understood one thing:
No matter how you try to shift the blame for what happened in Beiping, you can't pin it on Zhang Anping. The investigation won't uncover anything, and someone will definitely come to protect Zhang Anping.
Zhang Anping was a man of strong character. He fought a difficult battle in Beiping, but Mao Renfeng not only stabbed him in the back, but also purged Zhang Anping's influence in the Bureau headquarters.
Once Zhang Anping is freed, given his fierce nature, he probably won't give up easily!
This is what worries Mao Renfeng—Zhang Anping didn't fall into the trap he dug, and once Zhang Anping escapes, the backlash will "arrive as promised"!
How can we break this deadlock?
Mao Renfeng felt as if his head had split into two.
After much deliberation, he realized he only had one path to take:
Zhang Anping is utterly incompetent!
Fu Huabei rebelled, and despite having tens of thousands of spies in Beiping, they were unable to send back any useful information—using this as a pretext to kill Zhang Anping seemed feasible.
However, if this reason is to be used to criticize Zhang Anping, then another person must be involved:
Zheng Yaoquan!
After all, Zheng Yaoquan had previously been in charge of the Beiping intelligence system. After he fled, Zhang Anping took over again. If the reason for attacking Zhang Anping was "incompetence," it would inevitably involve Zheng Yaoquan as well.
"You surnamed Zheng, don't blame me for being ruthless! You schemed against me first!"
The thought that Zheng Yaoquan had tricked her by feigning an attempt to sabotage her after his hasty return to Beijing immediately relieved Mao Renfeng of her guilt.
But there was still a huge rock blocking the way.
Choose between Xikou and the Attendant's Mansion!
Although he had decided to surrender to the current Attendant's Office, it was only a decision; he couldn't get past a mental hurdle before putting it into action—not because he felt guilty, but because he was constantly hesitant. Attendant Li did have troops, but those troops were mainly from the Guangxi clique.
Although the chief aide-de-camp had stepped down and gone to Xikou, he had not relinquished his position as president and still held firm military power—in Mao Renfeng's mind, the odds of victory between the two were 20/80.
The number eight is on the other side of Xikou!
So what he really wanted to do was to have his cake and eat it too.
This is also the reason why he deliberately dug a pit for Zhang Anping.
But now that Zhang Anping hasn't lashed out or resisted investigation, some of these methods are no longer effective.
With the support of the section chief and the trust of the chief of staff behind him, Zhang Anping would inevitably have to return to the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics if he did not side with Chief of Staff Li.
At that time...
He could side with Attendant Li, giving him a 20% chance of winning. Even if he managed to suppress Zhang Anping with Attendant Li's help, if the Xikou side successfully launched a counterattack, his best outcome would be to follow in Xu Enzeng's footsteps. If his luck was worse...
But even if I don't side with Chief Constable Li, what will happen to me?
At this moment, Mao Renfeng was still unable to make up her mind.
……
Second Hall.
"Zhang Anping has been taken down by Mao Renfeng?!"
Upon hearing this news, Zheng Yaoquan's first reaction was to laugh out loud.
But he quickly came to his senses—what's so funny?
Damn it, so what if Mao Renfeng takes down Zhang Anping?
At most, it's just censorship!
But is there a problem with Zhang Anping?
What a load of rubbish!
If Mao Renfeng wanted to make a fuss, he could only use the incompetence of the Beiping intelligence system as a pretext—but once he used that as a pretext, Zheng Yaoquan would be the first to be targeted!
Recently, Zhang Anping has been detained by Fu Huabei!
The reason for his detention is inextricably linked to Zheng Yaoquan.
Even if we go back in time, Zheng Yaoquan is still the first one to be affected.
I traveled all the way to Beiping, only to end up carrying such a huge burden!
Zheng Yaoquan became increasingly angry, but the most dangerous thing right now was not to let Mao Renfeng use this excuse to deal with Zhang Anping, otherwise Zheng Yaoquan would be finished!
"Looking for him?"
After the idea popped into his mind, Zheng Yaoquan was moved, but at the same time, he felt a sense of humiliation.
Of the various factions within the Nationalist government's intelligence system, he was undoubtedly the most hostile to Zhang Anping, but that didn't mean he didn't respect him—Zhang Anping, this junior, was undeniably capable and worthy of Zheng Yaoquan's respect.
Ye Xiufeng from the Party Affairs Bureau is also alright.
Tang Zong had broken free of the intelligence system, but even if he hadn't, he was still wary of this old fox.
The only person he looked down on was Mao Renfeng. Even though they had collaborated several times, he still couldn't stand Mao Renfeng.
This is also why he felt no guilt about ripping off Mao Renfeng.
Right now, if he were to find Mao Renfeng, it would mean he would have to submit to Mao Renfeng—submitting to someone he despises the most is truly disgusting!
Fortunately, he is ultimately a politician who knows how to weigh the pros and cons. He may be disgusting, but his interests are the most important thing.
So he picked up the phone:
"Receive Director Mao from the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics!"
"Director Mao, it's me, Zheng..."
Before I could finish speaking, the phone was hung up!
Zheng Yaoquan stared at the phone in astonishment as a distant memory suddenly awakened within him:
Last year, Mao Renfeng needed his help, and after she called...
He hung up without hesitation!
Fortune changes like the wheel of luck...
"Bastard!"
Zheng Yaoquan was seething with hatred. "Damn Mao Renfeng, fine, fine, hang up on me!"
In a moment of impulse, Zheng Yaoquan even considered going to find Zhang Anping.
He believed that once he joined forces with Zhang Anping, he could crush Mao Renfeng with a single step!
After a long while, Zheng Yaoquan sighed softly.
Zhang Anping is too hot-tempered. After my trip to Beiping, Zhang Anping must have been seething with anger. Given Zhang Anping's personality, how could he possibly choose to join forces with me?
Eh...
After a long sigh, Zheng Yaoquan dialed the number again with a dark expression.
They weren't looking for Mao Renfeng, but for Emperor Tang Zong.
"Director Tang?"
……
Headquarters of the Bureau of Secrecy.
After hanging up Zheng Yaoquan's call, Mao Renfeng suddenly felt much better.
He has never been a magnanimous person—he has never forgotten the time Zheng Yaoquan hung up on him.
What goes around comes around, and now, Mao has finally gotten his revenge!
congratulations!
Of course, what truly made Mao Renfeng happy was not that he had taken revenge on Zheng Yaoquan, but that Zheng Yaoquan had made this phone call to him.
This means that Zheng Yaoquan is now also feeling the killing intent coming from himself!
He is afraid!
Good thing you're scared!
If you're afraid, you'll have room to negotiate, and you'll take control of the situation.
"At this moment, the only way is to join forces with Zheng Yaoquan!"
At this point, Mao Renfeng also realized that he could not side with Li.
Even having your cake and eat it too is unacceptable—if you do, your death is imminent.
This kind of mistake in taking a stance must not be made.
But Zhang Anping is someone we have to deal with.
Zheng Yaoquan's phone call gave him a general idea:
Team up with that scoundrel Zheng Yaoquan and find a way to find out Zhang Anping's problem—whether or not Zhang Anping can be defeated is not important, what is important is to make Zhang Anping a guilty person as well.
At that time, he, Zheng Yaoquan, and Zhang Anping will all be carrying problems. Before the chief attendant in Xikou wants to be removed from his post, he must think it over carefully.
This is the best way to break the deadlock.
Completely siding with Attendant Li might temporarily get rid of Zhang Anping, but once Xikou regains power, the issue of choosing sides will ultimately lead to his demise!
……
Outpost No. 3
Zhang Anping seemed to be sleeping soundly.
But that's only what it seems.
Because while he was feigning sleep, he was constantly analyzing the current situation.
Turning the tide has never been a big problem for him.
To put it arrogantly, if he really wanted to deal with Mao Renfeng and Zheng Yaoquan, given the current situation, he could easily crush them both with a flick of his wrist.
But he couldn't!
A spy system that is infighting is a "qualified" spy system. If Zheng Yaoquan and Mao Renfeng are both crushed by the spy system, then who will they blame?
Right now, I've left Mao Renfeng and Zheng Yaoquan a way out. I wonder if they'll be able to find it?
If I can't find them, how can I help them out?
Zhang Anping was filled with melancholy. In this world, perhaps only he was truly open and honest with his opponents! (End of Chapter)